Internet Marketing Sites Leverage Children For Profit

Man’s inhumanity to man. Nowhere is this more beautifully illustrated than in the casual disregard for children while pursuing the almighty dollar. “The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The first time I remember this theme was in grade school literature class. Unfortunately, its a timeless theme. I wish that it were otherwise. Ayn Rand commented, “So you think that money is the root of all evil. Have you ever asked what is the root of all money?”

It doesn’t take much genius to know that parents want to protect their children’s privacy on the internet. Technology can’t eradicate child predators. Common Sense Media (an online resource for parents) conducted a survey in which 91% of parents believe that social networking sites like Facebook and Google should not be able to share kids’ physical location. With the overwhelming resources of these technological giants, how difficult would it be to voluntarily protect children?

Where is the billion-dollar competition to provide iron-clad internet security for families? “Technology companies and advertisers argue that such tracking [kids’ physical locations and interests] is harmless and stopping it would fetter online commerce.” The need to target consumers for such items as Twinkies or a Wii purchase through online advertising accounted for $12.1 billion in revenue for the first half of 2010.1

At least we know the asking price.

But at what cost will legislation finally come about? How many children must be bullied, stalked, or molested before both sides of the ledger balances?

A few companies value children. The balance sheet weighs in their favor. Disconnect is one notable resource providing some relative protection. In November, 2010, MTV launched a campaign to end cyber bullying. The new “common sense” list can be found here.